Certified Nursing Assistant

The CNA course prepares students to provide personal care in healthcare settings, meeting state and federal requirements and opening pathways to immediate employment and further healthcare careers.

Learning Outcomes:

Students will gain a solid foundation in human anatomy and physiology, enhancing their understanding of the structure and function of the human body. They will develop essential skills in patient observation, enabling them to assess and monitor conditions effectively, and will study the fundamental principles of patient care, with an emphasis on compassionate and competent service.

The course also addresses patients’ legal rights, including confidentiality and informed consent, while building proficiency in accurate documentation and reporting. In addition, students will learn safety protocols that protect both patients and healthcare professionals.

Eligibility Requirement

This class requires verification that you are a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen. Eligibility must be verified before the class begins.

Step 1: Review the Acceptable Documents for Verification (PDF) for the full list of documentation that qualifies.
Step 2: If you have questions after reviewing the PDF, please contact us.

CNA Course Description and Career Pathways

The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) course prepares students to provide hands-on personal care in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, assisted living, home health, and hospice.

This course meets both federal and Idaho state requirements for CNA training and consists of 88 hours of classroom and lab instruction, along with 32 hours of clinical experience under the guidance of a registered nurse (RN) instructor.

Graduates of the program will have immediate employment opportunities and gain a strong foundation for pursuing careers in other healthcare fields, such as nursing, Radiologic technology, and surgical technology.

Who Should Attend?

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is a crucial step for individuals seeking to work or advance in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and other patient care environments.

CNA Course Admission Requirements

To meet new industry standards, students must complete the following steps before enrolling in the CNA course:

1. Create an Account

2. Purchase Required Items through ADB

  • CSI Tracking Package (12 months – $17)

  • Background Check ($52 + additional county fees)

3. Immunizations

  • Required: TB Test, Flu Vaccine, and COVID Vaccine

  • Exemption forms for Flu and COVID vaccines are available in ADB.

  • Upload all immunization records directly into your ADB account.

4. Drug Consent Form

  • You must electronically sign the drug consent form through ADB.
    Important: Signing the consent form is NOT the same as completing your drug screen.

5. 7+ Panel Drug Screen

  • After signing the consent form, you must complete the drug screen.

  • Go to a Physician’s Immediate Care Center (preferred location) for testing.

A detailed Step-by-Step Admission Guide is available [here].

After You Complete All Requirements

  • Once your background check, immunizations, and drug screen are fully approved in ADB, HSHS staff will contact you at the email address listed in your American DataBank account with instructions for registration.

  • You do not need to contact us—we will reach out to you.

Need Help?

  • HSHS Office: 208-732-6700

  • Workforce Office: 208-732-6310

Additional Costs

  • Required Costs

    Fixed Costs
    Fixed
    Item Cost
    Textbook (available through the CSI Bookstore)     $50+
    American DataBank – Complio Registration $17
    Manual Skills Test (per attempt) $75
    Written Test (per attempt, split into two payments)  $50
       

    Costs That May Vary

    • Scrubs
    • Analog wristwatch with a second hand
    • Closed-toed shoes
    • 3-ring binder and pen
    • Drug screen
    • Background check
    • TB test
    • Influenza vaccine

Certification and Exam Process:

After the Course:
When you successfully complete the CNA course, you’ll be eligible to take the Manual Skills Test and the Written Skills Test. Passing both tests is required to be listed on the Idaho CNA Registry.

Manual Skills Test

  • You’ll be assigned 5 to 7 random procedures you learned in training.
  • The test takes about 1 hour and is done with a partner.
  • First 30 minutes: You act as the CNA.
  • Next 30 minutes: You act as the patient.
  • You’ll get immediate pass/fail feedback.
  • You may retake the test up to 3 times if needed (payment due each time).

Written Skills Test

  • Tests your nursing assistant knowledge.
  • 90 minutes long, available in written or oral format (English only).
  • Offered bi-monthly at the CSI Testing Center in the Meyerhoffer Building, as well as at the HSHS building and in Burley on select dates.
  • Registration is required—information is available from the HSHS Front Office.
  • Can be retaken up to 3 times if needed (payment due each time).

Idaho CNA Registry

  • The Idaho Department of Health & Welfare keeps a registry of all active CNAs.
  • To stay active, you must work as a CNA for 8 hours every 2 years.
  • Renewal applications are mailed before your certification expires, based on your most recent employment date.
  • If you don’t work as a CNA for over 2 years, you’ll will need to contact H&W to receive permission to retake both the Manual Skills and Written Tests to regain active status. Permission is granted on a case by case basis. 

Explore Your Career Options

If you are interested in learning about career opportunities in the Magic Valley take a look below.

If you are interested in learning more about our Work-Based Learning Center resources explore your options below.

Instructor Bio

Jody Bruffett

Eliecea Wheeler

Learning Outcomes:

Students will gain a solid foundation in human anatomy and physiology, enhancing their understanding of the structure and function of the human body. They will develop essential skills in patient observation, enabling them to assess and monitor conditions effectively, and will study the fundamental principles of patient care, with an emphasis on compassionate and competent service.

The course also addresses patients’ legal rights, including confidentiality and informed consent, while building proficiency in accurate documentation and reporting. In addition, students will learn safety protocols that protect both patients and healthcare professionals.

Eligibility Requirement

This class requires verification that you are a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen. Eligibility must be verified before the class begins.

Step 1: Review the Acceptable Documents for Verification (PDF) for the full list of documentation that qualifies.
Step 2: If you have questions after reviewing the PDF, please contact us.

CNA Course Description and Career Pathways

The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) course prepares students to provide hands-on personal care in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, assisted living, home health, and hospice.

This course meets both federal and Idaho state requirements for CNA training and consists of 88 hours of classroom and lab instruction, along with 32 hours of clinical experience under the guidance of a registered nurse (RN) instructor.

Graduates of the program will have immediate employment opportunities and gain a strong foundation for pursuing careers in other healthcare fields, such as nursing, Radiologic technology, and surgical technology.

Who Should Attend?

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is a crucial step for individuals seeking to work or advance in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and other patient care environments.

CNA Course Admission Requirements

To meet new industry standards, students must complete the following steps before enrolling in the CNA course:

1. Create an Account

2. Purchase Required Items through ADB

  • CSI Tracking Package (12 months – $17)

  • Background Check ($52 + additional county fees)

3. Immunizations

  • Required: TB Test, Flu Vaccine, and COVID Vaccine

  • Exemption forms for Flu and COVID vaccines are available in ADB.

  • Upload all immunization records directly into your ADB account.

4. Drug Consent Form

  • You must electronically sign the drug consent form through ADB.
    Important: Signing the consent form is NOT the same as completing your drug screen.

5. 7+ Panel Drug Screen

  • After signing the consent form, you must complete the drug screen.

  • Go to a Physician’s Immediate Care Center (preferred location) for testing.

A detailed Step-by-Step Admission Guide is available [here].

After You Complete All Requirements

  • Once your background check, immunizations, and drug screen are fully approved in ADB, HSHS staff will contact you at the email address listed in your American DataBank account with instructions for registration.

  • You do not need to contact us—we will reach out to you.

Need Help?

  • HSHS Office: 208-732-6700

  • Workforce Office: 208-732-6310

Additional Costs

  • Required Costs

    Fixed Costs
    Fixed
    Item Cost
    Textbook (available through the CSI Bookstore)     $50+
    American DataBank – Complio Registration $17
    Manual Skills Test (per attempt) $75
    Written Test (per attempt, split into two payments)  $50
       

    Costs That May Vary

    • Scrubs
    • Analog wristwatch with a second hand
    • Closed-toed shoes
    • 3-ring binder and pen
    • Drug screen
    • Background check
    • TB test
    • Influenza vaccine

Certification and Exam Process:

After the Course:
When you successfully complete the CNA course, you’ll be eligible to take the Manual Skills Test and the Written Skills Test. Passing both tests is required to be listed on the Idaho CNA Registry.

Manual Skills Test

  • You’ll be assigned 5 to 7 random procedures you learned in training.
  • The test takes about 1 hour and is done with a partner.
  • First 30 minutes: You act as the CNA.
  • Next 30 minutes: You act as the patient.
  • You’ll get immediate pass/fail feedback.
  • You may retake the test up to 3 times if needed (payment due each time).

Written Skills Test

  • Tests your nursing assistant knowledge.
  • 90 minutes long, available in written or oral format (English only).
  • Offered bi-monthly at the CSI Testing Center in the Meyerhoffer Building, as well as at the HSHS building and in Burley on select dates.
  • Registration is required—information is available from the HSHS Front Office.
  • Can be retaken up to 3 times if needed (payment due each time).

Idaho CNA Registry

  • The Idaho Department of Health & Welfare keeps a registry of all active CNAs.
  • To stay active, you must work as a CNA for 8 hours every 2 years.
  • Renewal applications are mailed before your certification expires, based on your most recent employment date.
  • If you don’t work as a CNA for over 2 years, you’ll will need to contact H&W to receive permission to retake both the Manual Skills and Written Tests to regain active status. Permission is granted on a case by case basis. 

Explore Your Career Options

If you are interested in learning about career opportunities in the Magic Valley take a look below.

If you are interested in learning more about our Work-Based Learning Center resources explore your options below.

Instructor Bio

Jody Bruffett

Eliecea Wheeler